ORPHANS & THE HOLIDAY CHALLENGE

11/30/2012

CHRISTIAN ORPHANAGES
AND THE HOLIDAY CHALLENGE

BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ZAMBIA AFRICA

Using the word 'Christian' with orphanage is almost an oxymoron. I would venture to guess that the vast majority of the world's true orphanages are run by Christians -- Christian churches, Christian denominations, Christian groups, Christian individuals, etc. Why is this? Because the Bible says that true and undefiled religion is caring for widows and orphans (JAMES 1:27). Although I promise you that my friend Rick Burris is going to get smoked in our HOLIDAY CHALLENGE, I can also promise you that he and his family are all about orphans and orphanages. All four of them just got back from a week long trip to Honduras where they worked at an orphanage. I am going to let Rick tell you a little bit about it via the comments.

In a nutshell, here is our challenge. The loser of our challenge sends 100 bucks to the charity of the winner's choice. I have already chosen. Our church started a school for underprivileged and orphans in the George Compound area of Zambia. Do everyone involved a favor. Seriously think about sending a donation to one of these two institutions this Christmas season. It would be pretty special to raise several thousand bucks for these kids. Or better yet, sponsor a child. By the way, there is no middle man or church that gets any of what you may send to either place. Everything you send goes straight to where it needs to go.

2 Comments

Rick Burris link

11/30/2012 02:46:09 am

Two years ago we moved from Oklahoma to South Carolina to take on the challenge of running another YMCA Camp. Just before we moved I made a week-long trip with our church to an orphanage in Guiamaca, Honduras http://orphanageemmanuelhn.weebly.com/. I was blown away by all the Lord has done to fulfill the vision he gave to David and Lydia Martinez nearly three decades ago. The Lord is not finished yet.

When I visited in 2010 there were nearly 400 children and now there are almost 600! I remember thinking throughout my first visit that I had to bring my whole family along the next time. I had great expectations that Kate would fall in love with the kids and be touched by their life stories just as I was. I also hoped my kids would enjoy spending time playing with kids from another culture and get a vision for a life of mission service.

The trip was not a disappointment. We were incredibly blessed as a family to be a small part of what the Lord is doing at the orphanage. Of all the activities we did, our favorite was just to spend time with the children giving hugs, playing games, wiping noses or comforting little ones in the dental chair. Of whom much is given, much is required. We are not a wealth family by western standards but what we have to give can go so far to meet the deep and real needs of others. How could we not go? How could we not give? We have no greater privilege in life. The Bible says "Although my father and mother have forsaken me, the Lord will take me up." To be in the service to orphans, whether it is through going or giving, is to be in the presence of the Lord himself. If it were possible we would have brought kids home with us but we sincerely pray that the Lord allows Thanksgiving 2012 to be one of many trips we take to Honduras as a family.

Why not ask the Lord to show you how to be a part of His taking up of forsaken children? Most orphanages have a vehicle for support. Orphanage Emanuel is no exception. You can support a child each month.

Sincerely,

Rick Burris

PS. It also happens that I now weigh less than I have in years and I am at least 30 pounds lighter than one year ago. The Holiday Challenge is only the beginning.

Dr. Russell Schierling link

11/30/2012 05:15:45 am

Can't wait to call you Rick about your trip. Sounds absolutely incredible! Looking forward to seeing all of you guys in three weeks on the way back to Kansas! God is good.

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